The US military has intensified strikes against Iran, hitting military sites further north and near Tehran for the first time in the current wave of violence. On Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it targeted several military sites and assets to "further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten innocent mariners" in the Strait of Hormuz. The unit also disabled an oil tanker attempting to sail toward Iran’s Kharg Island, enforcing a naval blockade reimposed earlier in the week using Hellfire missiles.

At least 35 people have died and over 300 have been wounded since the attacks began last Wednesday, following CENTCOM's strikes on Iranian port cities near the Strait of Hormuz. A hospital in Ahvaz reportedly had to evacuate 211 patients after being hit in the strikes. Meanwhile, the Iranian military reported downing a US MQ-9 drone over the city of Andimeshk.

Iran has declared the peace deal voided and described the conflict as an "existential war," with officials vowing to defend "every inch" of Iranian territory. The situation remains tense as Tehran also reportedly targets Kuwait and Jordan amid the escalating conflict.

Sources